Powder coating composition

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a powder coating composition in which the powder particles are an agglomerate of individual particulate components fused or bonded together into composite particles.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to powder coating compositions and to their use.

Powder coating compositions generally comprise a solid film-forming resin, usually with one or more colouring agents such as pigments, and optionally they also contain one or more performance additives. They are usually thermosetting, incorporating, for example, a film-forming polymer and a corresponding curing agent (which may itself be another film-forming polymer).

The compositions are generally prepared by intimately mixing the ingredients (including any colouring agents and performance additives) for example in an extruder at a temperature above the softening point of the film-forming polymer(s) but below a temperature at which significant pre-reaction would occur. The extrudate is usually rolled into a flat sheet and comminuted, for example by grinding to the desired particle sizes (“micronising”). The size distribution required for most commercial electrostatic spray apparatus is up to 120 μm, often between 10 and 120 μm, with a Dv.50 within the range of 15 to 75 μm, preferably 25 to 50 μm, or more especially 20 to 45 μm.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

In the manufacture of such coating compositions speed of delivery to customers is an important consideration, but the conventional powder coatings manufacturing method relies on premixing, extrusion and milling as separate processes, causing turnaround times to be long, and production of small batches of a product is not economic. Stocking large product ranges solves the problem of speed of delivery, but is a highly inflexible approach and is not cost-effective.

EP 372860 A describes a colour mixing process for powder coatings in which sufficiently small-sized particles (<20 μm in size and advantageously <10 μm) are used that mixed colours applied to a substrate have a homogeneous appearance. Before application to the substrate the mixture is generally subjected to a process of agglomeration in which the small-sized particles are fused or bonded into composite particles, for example by mechanofusion, to convert the mixture from a cohesive mass to a free-flowing and fluidisable powder, which can be applied by conventional means. Thus, a range of basic coloured powder coating compositions is produced, conventionally, in a conventional melt extrusion step, and the products are comminuted to a distinctively small particle size. A range of other colours can then be produced by mixing and agglomerating these coloured powder bases in the desired proportions. This allows the storage of comparatively few basic coloured powder bases, which can be mixed and agglomerated to produce any desired shade easily on demand, and the production of small quantities becomes commercially feasible.

EP 539385 A describes an extension of this scheme whereby the agglomeration technique is used to incorporate other film-forming or non-film-forming components to produce a range of powder coatings with a range of different performance and aesthetic effects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a powder coating composition in which powder particles are an agglomerate of Individual particulate components fused or bonded together into composite particles, wherein the individual particulate components comprise a first film-forming component, a coloured non-film-forming base component having a Dv.99 of no more than 30 μm and comprising one or more colouring agents dispersed in a suitable carrier, and if desired one or more other components selected from film-forming and non-film-forming components.

Generally the first film-forming component is uncoloured and advantageously has a Dv.99 higher than the coloured non-film-forming base component, advantageously more than 20 μm and preferably no more than 90 μm.

Accordingly, the present invention also provides a powder coating composition in which powder particles are an agglomerate of individual particulate components fused or bonded together into composite particles, wherein the individual particulate components comprise

-   -   (1) two or more coloured base components having a Dv.99 of no         more than 30 μm, at least one of which components is per se         non-film-forming, and comprises one or more colouring agents         dispersed in a suitable carrier, and     -   (2) one or more uncoloured film-forming components, wherein at         least one component (2a) has         -   (i) a Dv.99 that is more than 20 μm and preferably no more             than 90 μm, and         -   (ii) a higher Dv.99 or higher Dv.50 than the coloured base             components (1) taken together,         -    the ratio of coloured base components to uncoloured             film-forming component(s) in the composition being             preferably in the range of from 1:99 to 60:40, for example             at least 2:98 and for example up to 30:70, by weight.

As will be understood in the art, the volume percentiles Dv.x indicate for a stated particle size (D) the percentage (x) of the total volume of the particles that lies below the stated particle size; the percentage (100-x) of the total volume lies at or above the stated size. Thus, for instance. Dv.50 is the median particle size of the sample, and on a particle size distribution graph Dv.99 is the point on the curve read along the particle size axis where the area under the curve below this particle size represents 99% by volume of the particles. Thus, Dv.99=30 μm indicates that 99% of the particles are below 30 μm (but are not below 29 μm). (For the avoidance of doubt, it should be noted that all particle sizes quoted herein are by volume.) Volume percentiles are measurable by laser diffraction techniques, for example by the Malvern Mastersizer.

Surprisingly, even with a high proportion of uncoloured component of significantly larger particle size than the coloured base components (whether judged according to Dv.99 or according to Dv.50), nevertheless the particles of the larger-sized component are not visible to the naked eye, so that the composition gives the appearance of a single colour.

At least one coloured base component is per se non-film-forming, for example being constituted as a pigment masterbatch, but having the specified particle size. Pigment masterbatches, comprising the pigment pre-dispersed in very high concentrations in polymer material which is per se non-film-forming , are generally available commercially in chip or powder form. When applied to a substrate and heated, such polymers can melt and wet out on the substrate, but the masterbatches are not formulated as film-formers and contain no curing agent.

In addition, the composition may if desired contain one or more coloured base components containing film-forming polymer. Such a component may, for example, be constituted as a powder coating composition in its own right, containing the usual powder coating additives, but having the specified (reduced) particle size.

There may, for example, be one or more non-film-forming coloured base components and one or more coloured film-forming base components in the composition, each having a Dv.99 of no more than 30 μm.

An uncoloured film-forming component is usually also a powder coating composition in its own right, but having the specified particle size; there should be at least one uncoloured film-forming component having a higher Dv.99 and/or a higher Dv.50 than a coloured base component. (Usually, a component having a higher Dv.99 than another will also have a higher Dv.50 and vice-versa.) Usually, there are two or more coloured base components each having a Dv.99 of no more than 30 μm and at least one uncoloured film-forming component having a Dv.99 that is more than 20 μm and that is higher than the Dv.99 of the coloured base components taken together (or having a Dv.99>20 μm and a Dv.50 that is higher than the Dv.50 of the coloured base components taken together). Very often that uncoloured film-forming component will have a higher Dv.99 (or a higher Dv.50) than each coloured base component. Preferably the uncoloured film-forming component has a Dv.99 of at least 40 μm, for example at least 50 μm, or more than 55 μm, e.g. in the range of from 50 to 65 μm. Preferably it will have a Dv.90 of no more than 75 μm and advantageously will have a Dv.50 of at least 8 μm, especially in the range of from 12 to 30 μm. Such uncoloured film-forming components have the advantage of lower manufacturing cost in relation to the small-sized coloured components and their use allows easy adjustment of the polymer/pigment ratio in the composition.

The present invention also provides a kit comprising the following separate components for agglomerating into powder coating compositions for the preparation of powder coatings in a number of different colours:

-   -   a plurality of coloured base components, each with a Dv.99 of no         more than 30 μm, at least one of which components is per se         non-film-forming and comprises one or more colouring agents         dispersed in a suitable carrier, and     -   one or more uncoloured film-forming components, at least one         having a Dv.99 or Dv.50 that is higher than each of the coloured         base components and a Dv.99 that is more than 20 μm and         preferably no more than 90 μm.

Such kits allow a rapid and flexible manufacture of a range of coloured powder coating compositions. The pre-dispersing of pigment in a suitable carrier, for example in a non-film-forming polymer compatible with the main film-forming component, can help maximise colour strength and provide uniformity of colour in the resulting product. The possibility of purchasing off the shelf products (pigment masterbatches) either of the specified size or of conventional size, for subsequent size reduction, for use in a composition of the present invention, represents a fast-track route to a colour mixing system whilst avoiding or reducing the difficult quality and cost problems associated with producing coloured powder coating base components. There is no disclosure in EP 372860 A or EP 539385 A of using a pre-dispersed pigment in a per se non-film-forming component (a pigment masterbatch) as one of the components in the agglomerate.

Further, in comparison with agglomerated coloured powder coating compositions described in EP 372860 A and EP 539385 A, compositions of the present invention contain a high proportion of uncoloured film-forming component, and the individual coloured components contain a significantly higher content of pigment. Moreover, the particle size of the uncoloured particles can be significantly larger than those of the coloured base components, without, surprisingly, affecting visual homogeneity. Thus, contrary to expectation and contrary to the suggestions in EP 372860 A and EP 539385 A, powders containing significant quantities of uncoloured component(s) having a Dv.99>40 μm can be used to produce powder coating films in which the differences between the coloured particles and the uncoloured particles are not discernable by the unaided human eye. Maximising the level of larger-sized uncoloured component will give cost advantages.

The present invention also provides a powder coating composition comprising a non-agglomerated mixture of the individual particulate components specified above in the specified proportions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The individual particulate components may comprise, for example,

-   -   (1) two or more coloured base components each having a Dv.99 of         no more than 30 μm (at least one of which components is per se         non-film-forming and comprises one or more colouring agents         dispersed in a suitable carrier), in an amount of from 1 to 60%         by weight of the total of components (1) and (2), and     -   (2)(a) one or more uncoloured film-forming components each         having a Dv.99 of more than 20 μm and each having a higher Dv.99         (or a higher Dv.50) than the coloured base components taken         together, in an amount of from 10 to 99% by weight of the total         of components (1) and (2), and, if desired,     -    (b) one or more other uncoloured film-forming components, in an         amount of up to 30% by weight of the total of components (1) and         (2).

Where there is one uncoloured film-forming component (2a) this preferably has a Dv.99 of up to 90 μm, and where there are two or more uncoloured film-forming components (2a) preferably at least one, and often all, such components have a Dv.99 of up to 90 μm.

More especially, the present invention provides a powder coating composition, suitable for providing a coating having certain appearance or performance attributes, which comprises composite particles formed by the agglomeration of individual particulate components fused or bonded together into composite particles such that the composite particles are air-fluidisable and can be applied to a substrate by electrostatic spray without causing the individual particles in the composite particles to break down under the mechanical and/or electrostatic forces associated with their application to a substrate, wherein the individual particulate components comprise

-   -   (1) two or more coloured base components each having a Dv.99 of         no more than 30 μm, at least one of which components is per se         non-film-forming and comprises one or more colouring agents         dispersed in a suitable carrier, and     -   (2)(a) one or more uncoloured film-forming components each         having a Dv.99 of more than 20 μm and preferably of no more than         9 μm and each having a higher Dv.99 or Dv.50 than the coloured         base components taken together,     -   and, if desired,     -    (b) one or more other uncoloured film-forming components, the         ratio of said coloured base components to said uncoloured         film-forming component(s) in the composition being in the range         of from 1:99 to 60:40, for example at least 2:98 and for example         up to 30:70, by weight, and each particle of film-forming         component comprising a solid polymeric binder system at least a         portion of which is a film-forming resin, the resin in the         composition being in an amount sufficient to impart film-forming         properties to the composition.

Ratios of coloured base components (1) to uncoloured film-forming component(s) ((2a) and if desired (2b)) in the composition of from 1:99, e.g. from 2:98, preferably from 5:95, and up to 60:40, e.g. no more than 50:50, advantageously no more than 40:60 and preferably no more than 30:70, should especially be mentioned.

Advantageously, the minimum weight of uncoloured film-forming component(s) (2a) corresponds to a ratio of coloured base components (1) to uncoloured film-forming component(s) (2a) of 5:2. Preferably the weight of uncoloured film-forming component or components (2a) is at least that of coloured base components (1) and, preferably, the weight of uncoloured film-forming component(s) (2a) is at least that of other uncoloured film-forming component(s). Preferably the weight of uncoloured film-forming component(s) (2a) is at least that of components (1) and (2b) together.

The coloured base components (1) may be, for example, at least 2%, for example at least 5%, and, for example, no more than 50%, advantageously no more than 40% and preferably no more than 30%, by weight of the total of components (1) and (2). A content of coloured base component(s) of no more than 20%, for example from 10 to 20%, by weight of the total of components (1) and (2) should especially be mentioned.

The uncoloured film-forming component(s) may be, for example, at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, more preferably at least 30%, especially at least 40%, more especially at least 50%, advantageously at least 60%, for example at least 70%, and for example up to 95%, by weight of the total of components (1) and (2). A content of uncoloured film-forming component(s) of up to 90%, for example from 80 to 90%, by weight of the total of components (1) and (2) should be mentioned.

The uncoloured film-forming component(s) (2a) may be, for example, at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, more preferably at least 30%, especially at least 40%, more especially at least 50%, advantageously at least 60%, for example at least 70%, and for example up to 95%, by weight of the total of components (1) and (2).

Where the composition also includes, as particulate component in the agglomerate, a further uncoloured film-forming component (component (2b)), there may, for example, be no more than 30% by weight, calculated on all of the components (1) and (2) together, of component(s) (2b) having (i) a Dv.99 that is ≦20 μm and (ii) a Dv.99 (or Dv.50) that is no higher than the Dv.99 (or Dv.50 respectively) of all the coloured base components in the composition taken together. A content of uncoloured film-forming component(s) (2b) of no more than 15%, for example 10%, by weight or less, calculated on the total of components (1) and (2) should especially be mentioned.

If desired, the composition may include as particulate component in the agglomerate, as well as coloured base component(s) (1) and uncoloured film-forming component(s) (2a) and optionally (2b), one or more other non-film-forming components, e.g. a texturing agent, a metallic or mica pigment, or a non-film-forming performance component. If desired, such a non-film-forming component may be pre-mixed with a film-forming component, e.g. with an uncoloured film-forming component, to form a masterbatch before mixing with the remaining components and then agglomerating. Alternatively, for example, a non-film-forming additive may be mixed with an uncoloured film-forming composition in an extruder and then micronised, to give an uncoloured film-forming component (2a) or (2b), depending on particle size, that also contains the desired aesthetic or performance additive.

A film-forming particulate component for inclusion in the agglomerate may itself be in the form of an agglomerate. Usually such a component would be formed by agglomeration of an uncoloured film-forming component with a non-film-forming component, for example a texturing additive or metallic or mica pigment.

Each film-forming component of the composition comprises at least one solid film-forming resin and includes any curing agent required therefor, and is usually formed by an extrusion process and comminution to the requisite particle size. Where a film-forming component is coloured, the colouring agent or agents (pigments and/or dyes) is (are) generally extruded with the film-forming resin(s), plus any curing agent, so that particles formed therefrom comprise film-forming resin, colouring agent and, where applicable, curing agent.

Reduction of gloss, for example to satin gloss (55-65% gloss) or matt (<30% gloss) or some other level, may be achieved by creating a surface which is rough on a microscopic scale using incompatible components or components that generate incompatibility. Film-forming components of similar chemistry but different gel times provide incompatibility during film-formation, and reduction in gloss may be achieved by such means. Usually two (or more) coloured base components are compatible with each other, but there may be an incompatible uncoloured film-forming component present. For example, film-forming components in the composition may be based on polyesters of different functionality optionally also containing a different catalyst (both of which lead to different gel times). For polyurethane systems using hydroxy-functional polyesters cured with an isocyanate (typically isopherone diisocyanate), hydroxy-functional polyesters with radically different functionality, e.g. 7 and 2, may be used. Another possibility is to employ materials that are per se incompatible with each other, for example a polyester and an acrylic polymer

In contrast to conventional prior art gloss-reduction processes, which generally use 50:50 non-fused mixtures of same-sized powders, with fused or bonded compositions of the present invention good gloss reduction can be achieved with substantially different proportions of gloss-reducing additive. The agglomerated material also does not suffer from particle segregation in the solid state as would dry-blended product, thus giving uniformity of product even after transportation and spraying.

In addition, or alternatively, an uncoloured film-forming component of the composition of the present invention may be compatible with the coloured base components. Usually all the coloured base components are compatible with one another.

Thus, a kit of the invention for the production of compositions with different colours and optionally different finishes may include, for example,

-   -   two or more pigment masterbatches, or one or more pigment         masterbatches and one or more coloured film-forming base         components compatible therewith, and     -   one or more uncoloured film-forming components compatible         therewith, and optionally     -   an uncoloured film-forming component incompatible therewith or         that becomes incompatible during film-formation.

Thus, an uncoloured component in the kit of the invention can be used for extension of product ranges, giving different reduced-gloss finishes. Advantageously, for any particular type of film-forming chemistry (e.g. acid-functional polyester, hydroxy-functional polyester), a kit of the invention includes a “universal” gloss-reducing component suitable for all powder coating compositions of that chemistry. This has the advantage of reducing costs while also reducing stocking levels and manufacturing capacity. It enables a very rapid and flexible service to be provided cheaply to the customer, allowing for the possibility of providing small quantities of powder coating compositions economically on request.

The present invention further provides a powder coating composition in which powder particles are an agglomerate of individual particulate components fused or bonded together into composite particles, wherein the individual particulate components comprise

-   -   (i) a coloured non-film-forming base component having a Dv.99 of         no more than 30 μm and comprising one or more colouring agents         dispersed in a suitable carrier, or two or more such components,         and     -   (ii) an uncoloured film-forming component compatible with         component(s) (i) and having a Dv.99 that is more than 20 μm and         preferably no more than 9 μm and having a Dv.99 or Dv.50 that is         higher than the Dv.99 or Dv.50 respectively of component(s) (i),         or, when there is more than one such component, of those         components taken together, or two or more such components,     -   and, if desired,     -   (iii) a coloured film-forming base component compatible with         components (i) and (ii) and having a Dv.99 of no more than 30         μm, or two or more such components,     -   and/or     -   (iv) an uncoloured film-forming component having a Dv.99 of more         than 20 μm and preferably no more than 90 μm, that is         incompatible with components (i) and (ii) or that becomes         incompatible therewith during film-formation,     -    and optionally one or more other components selected from         film-forming and non-film-forming components.

Preferably, the pigment content of the composition is at least 0.5% by weight and the composition comprises at least 50% by weight of film-forming component(s).

By using different chemistries, uncoloured components can also be employed to give different performance characteristics. The different chemistries may arise, for example, from the use of different film-forming polymers, e.g. polyester and acrylic or polyester and epoxy, but may also arise from the use of different curing agents, e.g. polyester with an epoxy curing agent in one component and polyester with a bis(beta-hydroxyalkylamide) curing agent such as PRIMID in another component.

An uncoloured film-forming component of a kit of the invention may be a pre-prepared uncoloured coating composition of the specified particle size or one of conventional size which is reduced in size just prior to use. A coloured non-film-forming base component of a kit of the invention may also be pre-prepared at the requisite particle size, for example from a masterbatch, or may be a masterbatch of conventional particle size which is reduced in size just prior to use. Similarly, coloured base components that are film-forming may be pre-prepared, being of the requisite particle size, or may be of larger particle size, being reduced in size just prior to use.

The number of coloured base components in a kit may be, for example, at least 7, e.g. in the range of from 7 to 30.

Accordingly, the present invention also provides a kit comprising the following separate components for agglomerating into powder coating compositions for the preparation of powder coatings in a number of different colours:

-   -   at least 7 differently coloured base components, at least one of         which components is non-film-forming and comprises one or more         colouring agents dispersed in a suitable carrier.     -   an uncoloured film-forming component that is compatible with the         coloured base components and remains compatible therewith during         film-formation and that has a Dv.99 of more than 20 μm and         preferably of no more than 90 μm, and     -   an uncoloured film-forming component that is incompatible with         the coloured base components or that becomes incompatible         therewith during film-formation, and that has a Dv.99 of more         than 20 μm and preferably of no more than 90 μm.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the individual particulate components of the powder coating composition comprise

-   -   two or more coloured base components having a Dv.99 of no more         than 30 μm, at least one of which components is non-film-forming         and comprises one or more colouring agents dispersed in a         suitable carrier, and     -   one or more uncoloured film-forming components, at least one         component having a higher Dv.99 or higher Dv.50 than at least         one, preferably all, of the coloured base components, and         preferably having a Dv.99 of more than 20 μm and preferably no         more than 90 μm, the ratio of coloured base components to         uncoloured film-forming component(s) of the specified size in         the composition being in the range of from 1:99 to 30:70 by         weight.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the individual particulate components of the powder coating composition comprise

-   -   two or more coloured film-forming base components having a Dv.99         of no more than 30 μm, at least one of which components is         non-film-forming, comprising one or more colouring agents         dispersed in a suitable carrier, and     -   one or more uncoloured film-forming components, at least one         component having a Dv.99 of more than 40 μm and preferably no         more than 90 μm,     -    the ratio of coloured base components to uncoloured         film-forming component(s) of the specified size in the         composition being in the range of from 1:99 to 60:40 by weight.

Preferably, the uncoloured film-forming component (2a) or at least one, and advantageously each, of the uncoloured film-forming components (2a) has a Dv.99 of at least 30 μm, more especially at least 35 μm, and advantageously at least 40 μm. An uncoloured film-forming component (2a) having a Dv.50 of at least 8 μm and up to 35 μm, e.g. up to 30 μm, and/or having a Dv.90 of at least 14 μm should especially be mentioned. An uncoloured film-forming component (2a) having a Dv.50 of at least 10 μm and up to 35 μm, e.g. in the range of from 12 to 30 μm, and/or having a Dv.90 of at least 18 μm, and one having a Dv.90 of no more than 75 μm should also especially be mentioned.

Uncoloured component(s) (2a) may, for example, have a Dv.99 or a Dv.50 that is at least twice, e.g. at least three times, the Dv.99 or Dv.50 figure of the coloured: components (1) taken together. For example, the Dv.99 of component(s) (2a) may be at least 20 μm, e.g. at least 30 μm, more than that of components (1) taken together.

Preferably, in each of the coloured base components, whether film-forming or non-film-forming, all the component particles are <25 μm. Advantageously the coloured base components have at least 90% by volume of particles <20 μm, more especially at least 90% by volume <10 μm, and advantageously the components have a Dv.99 of at least 6 μm, advantageously up to 25 μm. Advantageously, the Dv.50 of each such component is up to 18 μm, preferably up to 15 μm, e.g. up to 12 μm, advantageously at least 2 μm, for example within the range of for example 2 to 8 μm, preferably 2 to 6 μm or 8 to 12 μm; Dv.50 sizes ≧2 μm and ≦5 μm should especially be mentioned.

Typically, a pigment masterbatch contains from 10 to 50% by weight of pigment, but amounts of pigment up to about 75% may also be used. Advantageously, any coloured film-forming base component contains at least 5%, especially at least 8%, by weight of pigment, calculated on the weight of that component. Advantageously, the pigment content of the coloured base components taken together is at least 5%, e.g. at least 10%, and generally no more than 70% or 75%, e.g. no more than 60%, for example 20 to 40%, by weight, calculated on the total weight of these components.

Examples of pigments which may be used in the coloured base components are inorganic pigments, such as, for example, titanium dioxide white, red and yellow iron oxides, chrome pigments and carbon black, and organic pigments such as, for example, phthalocyanine, azo, anthraquinone, thioindigo, isodibenzanthrone, triphendioxane and quinacridone pigments, vat dye pigments and lakes of acid, basic and mordant dyestuffs. Dyes may be used instead of or as well as pigments. Each coloured base component of the coating composition may contain a single colorant (pigment or dye) or may contain more than one colorant. Where appropriate, a filler may be used to assist opacity, whilst minimising costs.

Additional pigment may also be added as a separate component prior to agglomerating, especially if the pigment is close in colour to the mixed coloured base components. Any pigment added in this way would generally be no more than 3%, preferably no more than 1%, by weight, based on the weight of the total composition, although amounts up to 5% may also be possible. Thus, for example, pigment in an amount of up to 3% by weight, more especially up to 1% by weight, may be used to displace the colour of the components over a small colour region, this being used for colour tinting or colour correction of a batch.

Preferably, the total weight of pigment in the composition is at least 0.5%, more especially at least5%, and preferably up to 30%, although an amount up to 50% is potentially also possible. The ratio of pigment to film-forming polymer component in the composition may be, for example, from 1:99 to 50:50.

One or more other separate components (3) may also be present. Other optional components include, for example, performance and aesthetic additives mentioned in EP 539385 A. Those components may, if desired, be pre-mixed with another component, for example an uncoloured film-forming component, with the components remaining as distinct components, e.g. (2a) and (3), before final agglomeration. Alternatively, the additives may be combined in a masterbatch with uncoloured film-forming polymer, often itself constituted as a powder coating composition in its own right, the masterbatch being prepared, for example, by co-extrusion of polymer and additive, followed by comminution, or by agglomeration of the particulate additive with uncoloured film-forming powder, to form uncoloured film-forming component (2a) or (2b), often (2a). Such further aesthetics additives nay be present for example in an amount of from 0.5 to 50% by weight of the total composition. A non-film-forming performance additive is generally present in an amount of no more than 5% by weight of the composition, e.g. in an amount of from 0.5 to 5% by weight. Where other component(s) are present in a composition of the present invention, the percentages of the specified coloured base components and/or the specified uncoloured film-forming component(s) in the composition may be altered accordingly, but the ratio of coloured base components to uncoloured film-forming component(s) will generally remain the same.

A composition of the present invention may contain, for example, at least 1%, e.g. at least 2%, often at least 5%, by weight of the specified coloured base components. Often the composition will contain at least 20%, e.g. at least 30% or at least 40%, by weight of the uncoloured film-forming component (2a) of the size specified above. Preferably, the content of uncoloured film-forming component(s) in the composition is at least 40%, e.g. at least 50%, and advantageously at least 60%, and preferably at least 70%, by weight. Amounts of at least 40% e.g. at least 50%, and advantageously at least 60%, and preferably at least 70%, by weight of uncoloured film-forming component(s) of the size specified above should especially be mentioned.

Ratios of from 1:99, e.g. from 2:98, preferably from 5:95, and up to 60:40, e.g. up to 50:50, advantageously up to 40:60 and preferably up to 30:70, for the ratios of coloured base components (1) to uncoloured film-forming component(s) of the specified size (2a) should be mentioned.

A powder coating composition of the invention will in general be a thermosetting system, although thermoplastic systems (based, for example, on polyamides) can in principle be used instead.

When a thermosetting resin is used, the solid polymeric binder system generally includes a solid curing agent for the thermosetting resin; alternatively two co-reactive film-forming thermosetting resins may be used. Thus, a thermosetting powder coating composition according to the invention may contain one or more film-forming polymers selected from carboxy-functional polyester resins, hydroxy-functional polyester resins, epoxy resins, and functional acrylic resins. For film-forming components, carboxy-functional polyester resins should especially be mentioned.

A carboxy-functional polyester film-forming resin may be used, for example, with a polyepoxide curing agent. Such carboxy-functional polyester systems are currently the most widely used powder coatings materials. The polyester generally has an acid value in the range 10-100, a number average molecular weight Mn of 1,500 to 10,000 and a glass transition temperature Tg of from 30° C. to 85° C., preferably at least 40° C. The poly-epoxide can, for example, be a low molecular weight epoxy compound such as triglycidyl isocyanurate (TGIC), a compound such as diglycidyl terephthalate condensed glycidyl ether of bisphenol A or a light-stable epoxy resin. Such a carboxy-functional polyester film-forming resin can alternatively be used with a bis(beta-hydroxyalkylamide) curing agent such as tetrakis(2-hydroxyethyl) adipamide.

Alternatively, a hydroxy-functional polyester can be used with a blocked isocyanate-functional curing agent or an amine-formaldehyde condensate such as, for example, a melamine resin, a urea-formaldehye resin, or a glycol ural formaldehye resin, for example the material “Powderlink 1174” supplied by the Cyanamid Company, or hexahydroxymethyl melamine. A blocked isocyanate curing agent for a hydroxy-functional polyester may, for example, be internally blocked, such as the uret dione type, or may be of the caprolactam-blocked type, for example isopherone diisocyanate.

As a further possibility, an epoxy resin can be used with an amine-functional curing agent such as, for example, dicyandiamide. Instead of an amine-functional curing agent for an epoxy resin, a phenolic material may be used, preferably a material formed by reaction of epichlorohydrin with an excess of bisphenol A (that is to say, a polyphenol made by adducting bisphenol A and an epoxy resin). A functional acrylic resin, for example a carboxy-, hydroxy- or epoxy-functional resin can be used with an appropriate curing agent.

Mixtures of film-forming polymers can be used; for example a carboxy-functional polyester can be used with a carboxy-functional acrylic resin and a curing agent such as a bis(beta-hydroxyalkylamide) which serves to cure both polymers. As further possibilities, for mixed binder systems, a carboxy-, hydroxy- or epoxy-functional acrylic resin may be used with an epoxy resin or a polyester resin (carboxy- or hydroxy-functional). Such resin combinations may be selected so as to be co-curing, for example a carboxy-functional acrylic resin co-cured with an epoxy resin, or a carboxy-functional polyester co-cured with a glycidyl-functional acrylic resin. More usually, however, such mixed binder systems are formulated so as to be cured with a single curing agent (for example, use of a blocked isocyanate to cure a hydroxy-functional acrylic resin and a hydroxy-functional polyester). Another preferred formulation involves the use of a different curing agent for each binder of a mixture of two polymeric binders (for example, an amine-cured epoxy resin used in conjunction with a blocked isocyanate-cured hydroxy-functional acrylic resin).

Other film-forming polymers which may be mentioned include functional fluoropolymers, functional fluorochloropolymers and functional fluoroacrylic polymers, each of which may be hydroxy-functional or carboxy-functional, and may be used as the sole film-forming polymer or in conjunction with one or more functional acrylic, polyester and/or epoxy resins, with appropriate curing agents for the functional polymers.

Other curing agents which may be mentioned include epoxy phenol novolacs and epoxy cresol novolacs; isocyanate curing agents blocked with oximes, such as isopherone diisocyanate blocked with methyl ethyl ketoxime, tetramethylene xylene diisocyanate blocked with acetone oxime, and Desmodur W (dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate curing agent) blocked with methyl ethyl ketoxime; light-stable epoxy resins such as “Santolink LSE 120” supplied by Monsanto; and alicyclic poly-epoxides such as “EHPE-3150” supplied by Daicel.

In a coloured masterbatch base component which is per se non-film-forming, if desired the carrier may be a polymer which is capable of film-formation but with the curing agent being omitted. The use of a coloured base component which is per se non-film-forming, but which is cured by a curing agent present in a different component of the composition, should be mentioned. Similarly, mention should be made of the use of a polymer, as a carrier for the pigment in the masterbatch, which is capable of film-formation but for which there is no suitable curing agent present in the composition. The use of non-functional polymers should also be mentioned.

The function of coatings is of course protective, but appearance is also important, and the film-forming resin and other ingredients are selected so as to provide the desired performance and appearance characteristics. In relation to performance, coatings should generally be durable and exhibit good weatherability, stain or dirt resistance, chemical or solvent resistance and/or corrosion resistance, as well as good mechanical properties, e.g. hardness, flexibility or resistance to mechanical impact; the precise characteristics required will depend on the intended use. The composition must, of course, be capable of forming a coherent film on the substrate, and good flow and levelling of the composition on the substrate are required. Accordingly, the powder coating composition generally also contains one or more performance additives such as, for example, a flow-promoting agent, a plasticiser, a stabiliser, for example a stabiliser against UV degradation, an anti-gassing agent, such as benzoin, or a filler. Such additives are known and standard additives for use in powder coating compositions. Usually, these performance additives will be incorporated in any film-forming component before and/or during the extrusion or other homogenisation process, although, if appropriate, any such additive may alternatively be incorporated as a separate component in the agglomeration process.

Mixing and agglomeration methods are described in EP 372860 A and EP 539385 A.

The agglomerate may, for example, be prepared by mechanofusion of a mixture of the individual components, for example by mechanofusion at a temperature in the range of from 60 to 80° C., or by granulation using methanol or other suitable solvent as granulating agent, to produce composite particles that constitute a free-flowing and fluidisable powder.

Good fluidity of the powder is required for purposes of application to the substrate. This fluidity of powders is governed by their particle size, and particle size also controls the application efficiency of a powder; powders with small particles, i.e. significant quantities <10 μm, more especially <5 μm, exhibit poor fluidity and application characteristics.

The present invention also provides a process for the preparation of a powder coating composition of the present invention, which comprises providing, in the specified proportions, the specified two or more coloured base components and the one or more specified uncoloured film-forming components and if desired one or more other uncoloured film-forming components and/or one or more other non-film-forming components, and mixing and agglomerating the components such that the composition is air-fluidisable and can be applied to a substrate by electrostatic spray.

Agglomeration prevents segregation of the constituents during application and handling, which otherwise would occur, for example during the application process itself (because of differential electrostatic charging) or in the attendant recovery and recycling process (because of differences in particle size and/or particle density) or in transport, causing batch-to-batch variability in the resulting coating.

The composite particles produced may be likened to raspberries with the individual particles of the raspberry (the drupels) bonded to one another, although the “drupels” are of different sizes, and there will of course also be “raspberries” of different composition and different sizes in the powder as a whole. Inspection of a fused agglomerated powder under an electron microscope shows that one particle is bonded to another and that the individual particles in the composites are more rounded than prior to agglomeration. When a conventional powder coating composition is inspected under an electron microscope, however, the powder particles are seen to be sharp-edged or angular, and are seen as separate, distinct particles—they are not fused to one another.

Further, unlike conventional uniformly coloured powder coating compositions, that contain particles of only a single colour (produced by fusion in the melt extruder), powder coating compositions of this invention consist of a mixture of differently coloured particles and uncoloured particles but nevertheless give the appearance of a single colour on application to a substrate.

An agglomerated powder coating composition according to the invention may in principle be applied to a substrate by any suitable process of powder coating technology, for example by electrostatic spray coating, or by fluidised-bed or electrostatic fluidised-bed processes.

After application of the powder coating composition to a substrate, conversion of the resulting adherent particles into a continuous coating (including, where appropriate, curing of the applied composition) may be effected by heat treatment and/or by radiant energy, notably infra-red, ultra-violet or electron beam radiation.

The powder is usually cured on the substrate by the application of heat (the process of stoving), usually for a period of from 5 to 30 minutes and usually at a temperature in the range of from 150 to 220° C., although temperatures down to 90° C. may be used for some resins, especially epoxy resins; the powder particles melt and flow and a film is formed. The curing times and temperatures are interdependent in accordance with the composition formulation that is used, and the following typical ranges may be mentioned:

Temperature/° C. Time 280 to 100* 10 s to 40 min 250 to 150 15 s to 30 min 220 to 160 5 min to 20 min *Temperature down to 90° C. may be used for some resins. especially certain epoxy resins.

The invention also provides a process for forming a coating on a substrate, which comprises applying an agglomerated composition according to the invention to a substrate, for example by an electrostatic spray coating process, and heating the applied composition to melt and fuse the particles and where appropriate cure the coating.

The film may be any suitable thickness. For decorative finishes, film thicknesses as low as 20 μm should be mentioned, but it is more usual for the film thickness to fall within the range 25-120 μm, with common ranges being 30-80 μm for some applications, and 60-120 μm or, more preferably, 60-100 μm for other applications, while film thicknesses of 80-150 μm are less common, but not rare.

The substrate may comprise a metal, a heat-stable plastics material, wood, glass, or a ceramic or textile material. Advantageously, a metal substrate is chemically or mechanically cleaned prior to application of the composition, and is preferably subjected to chemical pre-treatment, for example with iron phosphate, zinc phosphate or chromate. Substrates other than metallic are in general preheated prior to application or, in the case of electrostatic spray application, are pretreated with a material that will aid such application.

The following Examples illustrate the invention.

EXAMPLES Preparation of Individual Components

Masterbatch Components

-   -   (pigment pre-dispersed in a hydroxy-functional polyester resin,         lacking curing agent)

Two pigment masterbatches were used:

Green Masterbatch Phthalocyanine green pigment  50.0 g Hydroxy-functional polyester resin  50.0 g Red Masterbatch Irgazin DPP-BO pigment 50.00 g Hydroxy-functional polyester resin 50.00 g

The coarse particles are finely milled on a 100 AFG jet-mill from Hosakawa Micron at a grinding air pressure of 6.0 Bar and a classifier speed of 7000 rpm.

The resultant particle sizes (as measured by Malvern Mastersizer X laser light-scattering device from Malvern Instruments) were as follows:

Green Masterbatch Dv.50 = 4.7 μm  Dv.90 = 10.2 μm Dv.99 = 12.0 μm Red Masterbatch Dv.50 = 4.2 μm  Dv.90 = 8.9 μm  Dv.99 = 10.7 μm Film-forming Components

A white coloured film-forming base component and an uncoloured film-forming component were prepared by mixing the following formulations.

Component A - White Powder Coating Composition Rutile titanium dioxide white pigment 600 g Carboxylic acid-functional polyester resin 360 g Bis(beta-hydroxyalkylamide) curing agent 13 g Benzoin degassing agent 4 g Flow modifiers 18 g Surface waxes 5 g Component B - Uncoloured Powder Coating Composition Carboxylic acid-functional polyester resin 650 g Bis(beta-hydroxyalkylamide) curing agent 24 g Benzoin degassing agent 2 g Flow modifiers 18 g Surface waxes 4 g Fillers (barytes) 302 g Component C - Uncoloured Powder Coating Composition for Gloss-Reduction Carboxylic acid-functional polyester resin 575 g Fillers (barytes) 333 g Benzoin degassing agent 4 g Surface waxes 4 g Flow modifiers 18 g Bis(beta-hydroxyalkylamide) curing agent 65 g Component D - Uncoloured Powder Coating Composition (Polyester/Epoxy) Carboxylic acid-functional polyester resin 440 g Glycidyl-functional Bisphenol-A epoxy resin (type II or type III epoxy) 290 g Benzoin degassing agent 2 g Flow modifiers 18 g Fillers (barytes) 250 g

For the coloured component A the ingredients were dry mixed and fed to an extruder blender operating at a temperature of 100° C. The extruder produced a sheet of pigmented resin which was ground to a particle size of below 100 μm and milled on a 100 AFG jet-mill (manufacturer Hosakawa Micron) at 6 Bar grinding air pressure and classified at a speed of 7000 rpm. For uncoloured components B and C the procedure was repeated except that the jet-milling was carried out at 3000 rpm. For uncoloured component D the extrudate was ground to a powder in an air-classified impact mill.

The particle size of each of the components was measured on the Malvern Mastersizer.

The particle size distribution for Component A was:

-   -   Dv.50=3.5 μm     -   Dv.90=5.9 μm     -   Dv.99=8.2 μm

The particle size distribution (from Malvern Mastersizer X) for components B and C is:

-   -   Dv.50=18.4 μm     -   Dv.90=36.2 μm     -   Dv.99=51.0 μm

The particle size distribution for component D is

-   -   Dv.50=28 μm     -   Dv.90=58 μm     -   Dv.99=72 μm         For components A, B and D the polyester had an acid value of 18         to 30. For component C the polyester had an acid value of 40 to         90 .         Preparation and Use of Agglomerated Powder Coating Compositions

Example 1

A mixture comprising: Green Masterbatch 100.0 g Component A 133.0 g Component B 767.0 g is blended together in a Henschel FM10 mixture for a total of 30 minutes, with a heated water jacket taking the temperature to 54° C.

The agglomerated powder is sieved through a 110 μm steel mesh and then electrostatically applied through a Gema PCG-1 spray gun onto aluminium Q panels, then stoved for 15 minutes at 200° C.

A smooth, glossy coating that has a homogeneous green colour is produced.

Example 2

A mixture made up from:

Red Masterbatch 120.0 g Component A 160.0 g Component B 720.0 g is agglomerated, applied and cured as in Example 1.

A smooth, glossy coating with a homogeneous deep red colour is produced.

Example 3

A mixture made up from:

Green Masterbatch  20.0 g Component A 150.0 g Component B 700.0 g Component C 130.0 g is agglomerated, applied and cured as in Example 1.

A smooth, matt coating that has a pale green colour is produced.

Example 4

A mixture made up from:

Green Masterbatch 80.0 g Red Masterbatch 40.0 g Component A 40.0 g Component D 840.0 g  is agglomerated, applied and cured as in example 1.

A smooth, glassy coating that has a very dark green/brown colour is produced. 

1. A powder coating composition comprising composite powder particles that are an agglomerate of individual particulate components fused or bonded together, wherein the size distribution of the agglomerate of particles is up to a maximum of 120 μm with a Dv.50 within the range of from 15 to 75 μm, wherein the individual particulate components comprise (1) two or more colored base components having a Dv.99 of no more that 30 μm, wherein at least one of the colored base components is per se non-film-forming and comprises one or more coloring agents dispersed in a carrier, and (2) one or more uncolored film-forming components, wherein at least one of the uncolored film-forming components is an uncolored film-forming component (2a) and (i) has a Dv.99 that is more than 20 μm and (ii) has a higher Dv.99 than the Dv.99 of the two or more colored base components (1) taken together or has a higher Dv.50 than the Dv.50 of the two or more colored base components (1) taken together,  wherein, the ratio of colored base components to the one or more uncolored film-forming components in the powder coating composition is from 1:99 to 60:40 by weight.
 2. The powder coating composition of claim 1, wherein the one or more uncolored film-forming components (2a) are present in an amount of at least 10% by weight of components (1) and (2).
 3. The powder coating composition of claim 1, wherein there is no more than 30% by weight, calculated on the weight of the total of components (1) and (2), of one or more uncolored film-forming components (2b) having a Dv.99 (i) that is no higher than the Dv.99 of the colored base components taken together and (ii) that is less than 20 μm.
 4. A powder coating composition comprising composite powder particles that are an agglomerate of individual particulate components fused or bonded together into composite particles, wherein the size distribution of the agglomerate of particles is up to a maximum of 120 μm with a Dv.50 within the range of from 15 to 75 μm, wherein the individual particulate components comprise (1) two or more colored base components each having a Dv.99 of no more than 30 μm, wherein at least one of the colored base components is non-film-forming and comprises one or more coloring agents dispersed in a carrier, the two or more colored base components (1) being in an amount of from 1 to 60% by weight of the total of components (1) and (2), and (2)(a) one or more uncolored film-forming components each having (i) a Dv.99 of more than 20 μm, and (ii) a higher Dv.99 than the Dv.99 of the colored base components (1) taken together, and/or a higher Dv.50 than the Dv.50 of the colored base components (1) taken together,  the one or more uncolored film-forming components 2(a) being in an amount of from 10 to 99% by weight of the total of components (1) and (2), and optionally,  (b) one or more second uncolored film-forming components, in an amount of up to 30% by weight of the total of components (1) and (2).
 5. The powder coating composition of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more uncolored film-forming components (2a) has a Dv.99 of no more than 90 μm.
 6. The powder coating composition of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more uncolored film-forming components (2a) has a Dv.99 of at least 30 μm.
 7. The powder coating composition of claim 6, wherein at least one of the one or more uncolored film-forming components (2a) has a Dv.99 of at least 35 μm.
 8. The powder coating composition of claim 7, wherein at least one of the one or more uncolored film-forming components (2a) has a Dv.99 of at least 40 μm.
 9. The powder coating composition of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more uncolored film-forming components (2a) has a Dv.90 of at least 14 μm.
 10. The powder coating composition of claim 9, wherein at least one of the one or more uncolored film-forming components (2a) has a Dv.90 of at least 18 μm.
 11. The powder coating composition of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more uncolored film-forming components (2a) has a Dv.90 of no more than 75 μm.
 12. The powder coating composition of claim 8, wherein at least one of the one or more uncolored film-forming components (2a) has a Dv.99 in the range of from 50 to 65 μm.
 13. The powder coating composition of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more uncolored film-forming components (2a) has a Dv.50 in the range of from 5 to 45 μm.
 14. The powder coating composition of claim 13, wherein at least one of the one or more uncolored film-forming components (2a) has a Dv.50 of at least 8 μm.
 15. The powder coating composition of claim 14, wherein at least one of the one or more uncolored film-forming components (2a) has a Dv.99 of at least 40 μm and a Dv.50 of at least 10 μm.
 16. The powder coating composition of claim 14, wherein at least one of the one or more uncolored film-forming components (2a) has a Dv.50 in the range of from 12 to 30 μm.
 17. The powder coating composition of claim 1, wherein the colored base components have a Dv.99 in the range of from 6 to 25 μm.
 18. The powder coating composition of claim 1, wherein the colored base components have a Dv.50 of no more than 18 μm.
 19. The powder coating composition of claim 18, wherein the colored base components have a Dv.50 of no more than 15 μm.
 20. The powder coating composition of claim 19, wherein the colored base components have a Dv.50 in the range of from 2 to 12 μm.
 21. The powder coating composition of claim 1, wherein the colored base components contain from 5 to 75 weight % of pigment, calculated on the total weight of the colored base components.
 22. The powder coating composition of claim 1, wherein the colored base components contain from 0.5 to 50 weight % of pigment, calculated on the total weight of the composition.
 23. The powder coating composition of claim 4, wherein the colored base components comprises at least one colored film-forming component that is compatible with the colored non-film-forming base component(s).
 24. The powder coating composition of claim 23, wherein at least one of the uncolored film-forming components (2) is compatible with the colored base components (1) when heated at a temperature in the range of from 90° to 280° C. during film-formation.
 25. The powder coating composition of claim 23, wherein at least one of the uncolored film-forming components is incompatible with the colored base component(s) (1) or becomes incompatible therewith when heated at a temperature in the range of from 90° to 280° C. during film-formation.
 26. The powder coating composition of claim 1, wherein at least one of the two or more colored base components (1) is film-forming and comprises a polyester.
 27. The powder coating composition of claim 1, comprising two uncolored film-forming components, wherein one of the uncolored film-forming components is compatible with the colored base components and one of the uncolored film-forming components is incompatible with or becomes incompatible with the colored base components when heated at a temperature in the range of from 90° to 280° C. during film formation.
 28. The powder coating composition of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more uncolored film-forming components comprises a polyester.
 29. The powder coating composition of claim 27, wherein each of the uncolored film-forming components comprises a polyester, and the polyesters of the uncolored film-forming components differ in functionality.
 30. The powder coating composition of claim 1, comprising two polyester film-forming components containing different curing agents, wherein one of the curing agents is an epoxy curing agent or a co-reactable epoxy resin.
 31. The powder coating composition of claim 4, wherein the uncolored film-forming component (2) comprises as component (2a) or (2b) an agglomerate of an one or more uncolored film-forming component fused or bonded with a non-film forming component to form composite particles.
 32. The powder coating composition of claim 4, wherein component (2a) or (2b) further comprises a texturing additive that is agglomerated with the uncoloured film-forming component or co-extruded therewith followed by comminution.
 33. The powder coating composition of claim 31, wherein the agglomerated uncoloured film-forming component (2a) or (2b) further comprises mica.
 34. The powder coating composition of claim 1, wherein the ratio of the two or more colored base components (1) to the one or more uncolored film-forming components (2a) is in the range of from 1:99 to 50:50 by weight.
 35. The powder coating composition of claim 34, wherein the ratio of the two or more colored base components (1) to the one or more uncolored film-forming components (2a) is in the range of from 1:99 to 40:60 by weight.
 36. The powder coating composition of claim 35, wherein the ratio of the two or more colored base components (1) to the one or more uncolored film-forming components (2a) is in the range of from 1:99 to 30:70 by weight.
 37. The powder coating composition of claim 1, wherein the ratio of the two or more colored base components (1) to the one or more uncolored film-forming components (2a) is in the range of from 5:95 to 30:70.
 38. The powder coating composition of claim 1, wherein the one or more uncolored film-forming components (2) are present in an amount of at least 50% by weight of the total of components (1) and (2).
 39. The powder coating composition of claim 38, wherein the one or more uncolored film-forming components (2) are present in an amount of at least 60% by weight of the total of components (1) and (2).
 40. The powder coating composition of claim 39, wherein the one or more uncolored film-forming components (2) are present in an amount of at least 70% by weight of the total of components (1) and (2).
 41. The powder coating composition of claim 2, wherein the one or more uncolored film-forming components (2a) are present in an amount of at least 20% by weight of the total of components (1) and (2).
 42. The powder coating composition of claim 41, wherein the one or more uncolored film-forming components (2a) are present in an amount of at least 30% by weight of the total of components (1) and (2).
 43. The powder coating composition of claim 42, wherein the one or more uncolored film-forming components (2a) are present in an amount of at least 40% by weight of the total of components (1) and (2).
 44. The powder coating composition of claim 43, wherein the one or more uncolored film-forming components (2a) are present in an amount of at least 50% by weight of the total of components (1) and (2).
 45. The powder coating composition of claim 44, wherein the one or more uncolored film-forming components (2a) are present in an amount of at least 60% by weight of the total of components (1) and (2).
 46. The powder coating composition of claim 4, wherein there is no more than 15% by weight, calculated on the weight of components (1) and (2), of the one or more uncolored film-forming components (2a).
 47. The powder coating composition of claim 1, wherein the individual particulate components of the agglomerate further comprise one or more other non-film-forming components.
 48. The powder coating composition of claim 1, wherein the individual particulate components of the agglomerate further comprise a texturing agent.
 49. The powder coating composition of claim 47, wherein the one or more other non-film-forming components constitute up to 50% by weight of the total particulate components of the composition.
 50. A kit for the preparation of powder coatings in a number of different colors comprising: (1) a plurality of colored base components, each with a Dv.99 of no more than 30 μm, wherein at least one of the colored base components is per se non-film-forming and comprises one or more coloring agents dispersed in a carrier, and (2) one or more uncolored film-forming components each having a higher Dv.99 than the Dv.99 of the colored base components or a higher Dv.50 than the Dv.50 of the colored base components, and having a Dv.99 that is greater than 20 μm.
 51. The kit of claim 50, wherein at least one of the uncolored film-forming components has a Dv.99 of no more than 90 μm.
 52. The kit of claim 50, comprising at least 7 differently colored base components.
 53. The kit of claim 50, comprising an uncolored film-forming component that is compatible when heated at a temperature in the range of from 90° to 280° C. during film-formation with the colored base components and an uncolored film-forming component that is incompatible with the colored base components or that becomes incompatible with the colored base components when heated at a temperature in the range of from 90° to 280° C. during film-formation.
 54. A kit for the preparation of powder coatings in a number of different colors comprising: (1 at least 7 differently colored base components, each having a Dv.99 of no more than 30 μm, at least one of which is per se non-film forming and comprises one or more coloring agents dispersed in a carrier, (2) an uncolored film-forming component that is compatible with the colored base components and remains compatible when heated at a temperature in the range of from 90° to 280° C. during film-formation and having Dv.99 that is higher than the Dv.99 of the colored base components (1) and that is more than 20 μm but not more than 90 μm, and (3) an uncolored film-forming component that is incompatible with the colored base components or that becomes incompatible with the colored base components when heated at a temperature in the range of from 90° to 280° C. during film-formation and having a Dv.99 that is higher than the Dv.99 of the colored base components (1) and that is more than 20 μm but not more than 90 μm.
 55. The kit of claim 54, further comprising means for comminution of the colored base components.
 56. The kit of claim 50, wherein the one or more uncolored film-forming components are present in an amount of at least 10% by weight of the colored base components and the one or more uncolored film-forming components.
 57. The kit of claim 50, comprising at least 3 uncolored film-forming components.
 58. The kit of claim 50, further comprising means for agglomerating the components to produce a fluidizable powder.
 59. A process for preparing the powder coating composition of claim 1, comprising providing the two or more colored base components (1) and the one or more uncolored film-forming components (2a) to provide a mixture of components and mixing and agglomerating the mixture of components into composite particles, wherein the composite particles have a size distribution up to a maximum of 120 μm with a Dv.50 within the range of from 15 to 75 μm and can be applied to a substrate by electrostatic spray.
 60. A process for preparing the powder coating composition of claim 1 from a kit comprising a plurality of differently colored base components, wherein at least one of the colored base components is per se non-film-forming and comprises one or more coloring agents dispersed in a carrier, and one or more uncolored film-forming components having a Dv.99 of more than 40 μm, which comprises comminuting at least two of the colored base components to provide powders having a Dv.99 of no more than 30 μm, and mixing and agglomerating the two or more comminuted colored base components and at least one of the uncolored film-forming components to form composite particles, wherein the composite particles have a size distribution up to a maximum of 120 μm with a Dv.50 within the range of from 15 to 75 μm and are air-fluidizable and can be applied to a substrate by electrostatic spray.
 61. A powder coating composition prepared by the process of claim
 59. 62. A process for forming a coating on a substrate, comprising applying the agglomerated composition of claim 1 to a substrate and heating the applied composition to form a continuous coating.
 63. A powder coating composition, comprising an agglomerate of individual particulate components fused or bonded together into composite particles, wherein the size distribution of the agglomerate of particles is up to a maximum of 120 μm with a Dv.50 within the range of from 15 to 75 μm, and the individual particulate components comprise: (i) at least one colored non-film-forming base component, wherein the at least one colored film-forming base component has a Dv.99 of no more than 30 μm and comprises one or more coloring agents dispersed in a carrier, and (ii) an uncolored film-forming component compatible with component (i), wherein the uncolored film-forming component has a Dv.99 that is more than 20 μm and not more than 90 μm, and is higher than the Dv.99 of the at least one colored non-film-forming base component (i), and, optionally, (iii) at least one colored film-forming base component compatible with components (i) and (ii) and having a Dv.99 of no more than 30 μm, and/or (iv) a second uncolored film-forming component having a Dv.99 of more than 20 μm and not more than 90 μm, that is incompatible with components (i) and (ii) or that becomes incompatible with components (i) and (ii) when heated at a temperature in the range of from 90° to 280° C. during film-formation, and optionally one or more other components selected from film-forming and non-film-forming components.
 64. The powder coating composition of claim 63, wherein the composition has a pigment content that is at least 0.5% by weight and the composition comprises at least 50% by weight film-forming component(s). 